Investigating the Antiurolithiatic Potential of Luffa Echinata Roxb. Fruit Extract Through in Vitro and in Vivo Experiments

Background: The advances in Modern medicine the development of renal calculi continues to be a source of concern for mankind, as there is no effective treatment for kidneys stones. Objective: The main objective of the study is to evaluate the anti-urolithiasis property of ethanolic extract of Luffa echinata fruit by invitro and in vivo methods in rats. Methodology: In male rats the renal calculi was caused by 0.75% ethylene glycol., the effect of ethanolic extract of Luffa echinata (ELE) was studied. ELE was given everyday orally at a dose of 50 and 100mg/kg respectively for 28 days to examine the activity against ethylene glycol, with cystone (750mg/kg) as a reference standard. urinary volume, Urinary pH, and Urinary ionic component such as Calcium, Phosphorous, Uric acid, and Magnesium. Biomarkers-BUN, Creatinine, and Uric acid, Concentration of Oxalate crystals and Citrate levels were estimated. Histopathological examinations were studied. Results: The ethylene glycol induction leads to urolithiasis by forming metabolites in liver and forming oxalate crystals as end product combining with calcium crystals leading to calcium oxalate crystals causing calcium hypercrystaluria and inflammation of loop of Henle, Luffa echinata plant extract blocks formation of oxalate crystals in liver, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties obtained in invitro and in vivo studied performed on rats, further confirmation histopathological findings assessed and concluded that ELE plant extract has antiurolithiatic properties.